The football game between Easley and Wren Friday night meant so much more than defining winners and losers for the thousands of students and staff in attendance.

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It was a time to make sure the death of 15-year-old junior varsity player Daniel Smith was not in vain.

"He was just a happy person all the time. He loved to make people smile," said girlfriend Brittany Johnson.

Investigators said his step-father, William Thomas, shot and killed Daniel and his mother before committing suicide after a domestic dispute at their home in Pickens County on Aug. 30.

While remembering the beauty of Daniel, Johnson's memories were tainted with ugliness as she described the last text message conversation they ever had.

"Saying that his father had come home and he was intoxicated, and that he was just trying to fight. He was just really irate. He had texted my dad to come pick him up, and we were on our way there when it happened," said Johnson.

Moments before kickoff of the game Daniel loved, Johnson collected money for funeral costs and sent a message.

"If your family is having problems, tell someone," said Johnson.

Daniel's coach echoed those words.

"It's OK to come talk to adults about problems that their friends might be having, or come to adults themselves with their problems. Hopefully we can fix it and not have another tragedy," said Andrew Appenheimer.

As the teams ran onto the field, Daniel's jersey number 51 could be seen in every corner; from cheerleaders' arms to students' backs displayed proudly during a moment of silence.

When the captains met for the coin toss, rivalry was put on hold. A banner in tow said it all: "Competition may separate us, but tragedy makes us one."

School officials said the banner that Wren presented to Easley will hang in the stadium for the rest of the year. A plaque was also given to the Easley football team. It will be displayed with Daniel's helmet and jersey in the school's trophy case.